Sun bear returns to the wild after traumatic start to life

Billy, a sun bear rescued from a fate in captivity, has been successfully released into the wild. 

Billy’s year-long rehabilitation with IFAW's partner Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) in Indonesia began in May 2025. He was estimated to be about nine-12 months old when he was confiscated from an illegal trader following a long investigation.  

“Billy was likely taken from his mother in the wild and had a traumatic start to life. I’ll never forget the fear in his eyes when he came to us. He was very scared and timid,” JAAN co-founder Femke den Haas said. 

While in care, the JAAN team, supported by IFAW, treated several wounds and medical issues he had suffered during his time in captivity. 

Billy has now been relocated to a national park—where it’s hoped he will remain for the rest of his life—free and wild. With support from IFAW, Billy’s carers set up an enclosure deep in the park and spent a few days with Billy before he was taken deeper into the forest and released. 

“When he was released and left the cage, it was as if he couldn’t believe his eyes. There was no fencing, just trees and freedom. He was sniffing as if he was taking in all the scents of the wild, beautiful Indonesian rainforests,” Ms. den Haas said. 

Carers are hopeful he’ll reunite with Mano, another sun bear who was released into the same forest in September 2025. 

IFAW wildlife rescue program director Neil Greenwood said the partnership with JAAN ensures rescued wildlife is given a second chance. 

“Billy’s journey speaks to both the cruelty of wildlife trafficking and the incredible resilience of wild animals. He arrived in care frightened and alone—but over the past year, we’ve watched him rediscover his instincts, his confidence, and his place in the forest,” Mr. Greenwood said. 

“Seeing him return to the wild is the moment we all work for. Giving animals like Billy the chance to live the life they were meant to live gives us a sense of hope in the face of such a cruel trade.” 

IFAW has been working with JAAN for more than a decade to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks, train law enforcement teams (including tracking dogs), and ensure animals confiscated from illegal trade receive the best care. 

ENDS 

Photos and video can be downloaded HERE

Press contact: 
Dominica Mack 
dmack@ifaw.org    
0460 432 901 

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) - IFAW is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org  

About JAAN - JAAN is a non-profit organisation that strives to reduce animal suffering and provide them better living conditions. We believe that no animal deserves cruelty and no wild animal should spend its life in captivity. At JAAN, we envision a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect. Our mission is to protect animals from cruelty and exploitation, and to promote animal welfare through proactive measures and community involvement. We believe that education and awareness are key to driving change and fostering a society that values and protects its animal inhabitants.